How Will the Autumn Wind Blow?

This game has me perplexed for a couple reasons. The Raiders just came off an absolutely heart-breaking loss to the Chiefs, after driving down the field, securing a FG, only to not even be able to attempt said FG because the snap was fumbled on a miscommunication between the center and QB. Really brutal stuff, especially against the Chiefs. The first reason this game is confusing is because of the Chiefs. The Raiders aren’t playing the Chiefs again I know, but my question is are the Chiefs awful or are the Raiders finding something? The Raiders held the Chiefs to 1/5 in the redzone, forcing 4 FGs out of the Chiefs. They had more total offense, combining for 434 total yards, which was over 100 yards more than the Chiefs could manage. And Aiden O’Connell put on an absolute show against the Chiefs, going 23/35 with 340 yards and 2 TDs. O’Connell was 5/5 for 55 yards on the final drive of the game, throwing some unbelievable placed balls to a variety of players in the two-minute drill down two. It’s probably going to end up being one of the higher stakes situations for the Raiders this season, and O’Connell stepped up to the plate, pointed to the fence, and took that ball 450 dead center. It was incredible to watch. This being that second reason, Aiden O’Connell has shown his ability to play, let’s see if he can do it again against a deceivingly good Bucs team. While they stand at 6-6, do not let that fool you. They started absolutely on fire, but cooled down as of late, as they went on a four-game skid at the end of October into the beginning of November. But as November closed out and December peeked through, they routed wins over the Giants and Panthers. While that OT win against the Panthers was a little too close for comfort, I believe in what the Bucs can do. Baker is the captain of this ship, and with guys like Mike Evans, and some newfound talent in Bucky Irving and Cade Otton, they can make a splash again come playoff time. Even though they definitely miss Chris Godwin, and they have a bottom half defense, some things can’t be quantified. I think when it matters, they also know how to win games, and have the roster to do it. Look for the Bucs to have one more bounce-back game before the end of their schedule, where if they’re performing like they’ve shown they’ve to be able to, they could pocket a sizeable number of wins heading into the postseason. There is still work to be done though.

POSTGAME:

I really am a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They need to clean up their defense, but their offense is spectacular. Baker Mayfield is cool in the pocket and demonstrated that against the Raiders with 295 yards and 3 TDs. Rachaad White helped restore some confidence in himself with a pair of TDs, and four of their receivers had over 60 yards receiving. Spreading the ball, scoring points, it’s a phenomenal ingredient in NFL success. The Raiders, however, have lost that momentum. Aidan O’Connell was injured in the 3rd quarter, when it was only a 14-10 game. The Bucs would then go on to have back-to-back touchdown drives and the game would be put on the top shelf. Out of reach. I don’t know what the Raiders are going to do having to start Desmond Ridder at QB (sorry Desmond.) They still have playmakers in Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, but maybe some other guys can help carry the offense. Sincere McCormick’s had 27 carries in the last two games and fronted the workload this game, maybe he can make an impact. Tough injury at QB for the Raiders.